[Results] Prelims 2020 Over - Gearing for 2021

·

I need some help. I hope someone would be able to show me a direction.

I had my interview on 20th march. However, the news of coronavirus spread was doing rounds rapidly. I am not from Delhi so while traveling to Delhi via flight from Lucknow, I somehow became extremely unwell on the eve of my interview. Anyways, after taking some medications , I was able to attend the interview. Due to a multiple of reasons, the primary being a possible contraction of corona, my interview did not go as per expectations. I was coughing , with mouth dryness and infact the board members got concerned if I am fit to sit for the interview.

I was crestfallen for several weeks post my interview (after the lockdown), and right now I have not been able to prepare for the next prelims at all, due to stress and tension. 2019 was my 5th attempt and 2020 would be my last attempt. Due to the uncertainties surrounding the entire process for this year (increasing infections, people have to travel from all over to delhi for interviews that start on the 20th, prelims in october etc.) a lot of candidates have suffered or are suffering. Hence, my doubt is that if requested, is there a chance that UPSC gives an additional attempt in lieu of the pandemic to the 2019 and 2020 candidates? I wish to take your opinions and also want to know where to send a request for this. Recently, UPSC has allowed choice of centers again and as per the notification issued, they have paid heed to the requests of candidates. So I think there is a way to reach out to them. I hope i find some answers here. Recently, TPSC (Tripura PSC) has also given one year age extension to all state exams conducted by them. I believe 2019-2020 candidates should be given a chance as this is a once in 100 years event.

·

@SantiCazorlathanks for pointing that out. The interview was on a friday i.e March 20th.

I am not on telegram as it gives me a lot of anxiety, and ofcourse wastes a lot of my time.

·

@xxiinn12345907 I agree. Is it possible to somehow request UPSC regarding this, present our plight to them and maybe they would consider?

·

@Dead Man That is great news, if true. Could you give your source as well (if possible)?

Regarding the schedule, it has already been disrupted by more than 4-5 months. Every exam has been postponed , latest being engineering services mains and the combined geologist/geo scientist exam.

·

@PhagocyteI know where this is coming from as I am feeling exactly the same.

·

It seems that I am not the only one who is having sleepless nights since the last few months. Is it possible to atleast let UPSC/DoPT know about this issue. I understand many people have left Delhi in a hurry without adequate study materials, and some just cant study in a home environment. All these factors might impact performance on the day of interviews/prelims adversely. If we write to concerned authorities (DoPT/UPSC) is there a chance that they might give us another chance to write (as a kind of compensation for 2020)?

·

@AgogI think if UPSC advises DoPT regarding this, they might agree. I feel this is an administrative issue for UPSC as they are taking the exam.

·

@Phagocyte I agree. But some might be having their final attempt in 2019 (interviews)/ 2020. Many doctors prepare for this exam as well, so maybe some among them might have coronavirus duties etc.

·

@Batmanreturns Thanks for your inputs. I thought UPSC decides and then recommends DoPT and then they deliberate on the proposition and give a green signal. So would writing on twitter work? I thought writing letters to UPSC would yield faster results.

·

Sh Arun Kumar Saxena, Ex Jt Secy (DoPT) had floated this idea few days back on his facebook page. Looking at the sudden spike in covid cases in the recent days (all across India), it seems that many of us might face even greater problems/issues when it comes to preparations (travel (for interview candidates), red zones, containment zones etc)) in the coming few days/weeks.

Keeping the above in mind, I think it would be appropriate if somehow we get to atleast voice our concerns to DoPT and UPSC regarding the same. I wish to take your opinions. Uncertainties somehow tend to get the better of even the strongest among us, sometimes.

·

@Batmanreturns Thanks for the input. However I doubt if they take messages on social media seriously. I feel writing an official email would bear fruit faster. I might be wrong here though. Thousands of people tag ministers about millions of issues they face. how do they filter them out?

·

@Batmanreturns thanks for your inputs. I really appreciate them.

Even today, we had around 24k cases. We have overtaken Russia and are in the 3rd spot presently. Even amidst the pandemic, the number of seats would remain as advertised i.e. 900 odd for 2019 and 800 odd for 2020. So, accuracy and peaking at the right time is extremely crucial. I totally understand what some of the interview candidates must be going through as I went through the same phase in March. Now the condition is atleast 100 times worse. In this situation sometimes it becomes difficult to bring out the best in ones performance. In addition to that, many prelims candidates have left Delhi for their homes, and maybe that shift wont allow them to be at their 100%.

I think some of us should try writing emails and tweets regarding our problems. I can and have done both, but I dont think they would pay much heed to a solitary voice. I hope whoever is reading this and is facing some problem, definitely lets the authorities know. I think it would be fair if they allow one additional attempt next year to those who lose out this year, as a one time measure. Even important exams like university finals, CBSE, competitive exams like NEET and JEE etc got postponed/cancelled purely due to the voicing of concerns of the candidates. I request you (anyone who is facing issues due to the pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the whole process) to be a bit verbose and email/tweet the relevant authorities.

·

@Msss Toh fir kise likh sakte hain requesting an attempt? Is there some official helpline for the candidates?

·

@MsssI hope someone is able to throw some light on this.

·

Sh Arun Kumar Saxena, Ex Jt Secy (DoPT) posted this yesterday. I believe if there is sufficient number of emails/tweets regarding this issue (which is highly significant and relevant) the authorities might notice this and might act on those demands (would at least pay heed to it). Yesterday MHRD has issued some revised guidelines regarding the conduct of final sem exams that should happen by September, which has stirred a hornet's nest. That (issue) is now trending on twitter.

We should atleast try and let the authorities know about this issue of ours. I know some of us might be thinking that only after the results (2019) and prelims (2020) they would get active regarding this. Some might even actively demand after results. But maybe, it would be too late in October.

·

https://forumias.com/post/detail/Seeking-additional-attempt-at-UPSC-due-to-pandemic-2019-and-2020-batches-1594123083

·

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1285457941437444096

·

@sankalpr91rightly said. Just imagine the plight of the candidates who are appearing for interviews right now, traveling to Delhi from all across.

Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon MP, has also tweeted about the KEAM infecting 2 students issue, exhorting the Hon MHRD Miniter, Dr Nishank, to postpone exams that should happen by September as per new UGC rules.

·

https://forumias.com/post/detail/Seeking-additional-attempt-at-UPSC-due-to-pandemic-2019-and-2020-batches-1594123083?page=3

if someone else is in a similar situation, kindly take a look. thanks

·

@TheNotorious in dubai...

·

@Chanakya

reservation policy for which category?

·

@Phagocytethanks. I have emailed as well. I hope the authorities take note.

·

@Phagocyte POsting@akshay160189s message

"

I have filed my grievance please you all should also do it.Just copy paste my grievance if you dont have idea of your own.

"I want to bring to your notice that studies of many UPSC and other exam aspirants has suffered due to covid 19 pandemic. Many aspirants are preparing since long time but, due to the pandemic, last moment studies which is primarily required in exams like UPSC has suffered a lot. Even some students pay fees to coaching institutes in delhi and other places for test papers which are held at 2-3 mths before the exams. Other who left their jobs for preparation of exam have to rejoin their jobs due to change in exam schedule. Many UPSC aspirants belong to medical field and so they have to join their services so as to help fight corona and so they are the most affected aspirants as they have to work more than the required hour.Other left for their hometown (or small villages) where they have lack of resources to study like internet,books,newspapers .etc.

So i urge PM and DOPT on behalf of all the students to help us by providing one time age and attempt relaxation in UPSC exams so that the students having last attempt can get fair chance to prepare and appear for the exam." "

·

@Adi_dasspeculating wont help either. atleast trying would give us some personal satisfaction. We can never be sure about our selection as well, we can only try. same applies here.

·

@Thanos_ have replied back . I think that might work, if enough voices are raised.

·

https://twitter.com/nidhiindiatv/status/1288352308040851457

·

@titanium17you are correct, but you have completely ignore the plight of aspirants who are not able to prepare, specially those who dont have access to unlimited internet and are hauled up at their homes in smaller towns. Also the plight of corona warriors who are relentlessly working since march.

Though I am not suggesting postponement, but UPSC can atleast give an additional attempt thinking about such dire conditions.

·

https://twitter.com/nidhiindiatv/status/1289932748900069378

Ms Nidhi Taneja, journalist, who has raised several issues of students/aspirants in the past few months, has tweeted for UPSC aspirants. I believe more people should put forward the demand of an additional attempt by giving one time relaxation as a special case. Kindly tweet/retweet/dm her about the issues we are facing.

·

@Rookiethe reply you got is not visible.

·

@Dead Man If the government starts normal public transport now i.e. remove the clauses of social distancing (presently no more than 20 people can board a bus) , starts metro etc, there would be a lot many dead men in the tally we see each day .

·

@Warrior100I salute you for your undying spirit and the eagerness to serve the needy. Even after such dire situation, you are holding your front and are relentless. This is highly commendable.

I feel for you and I strongly feel the government should give atleast one additional attempt as a special case for one time only (for the pandemic). I hope more people come out and support this cause.

·

though I agree postponement is not the solution to everything, but what about those who would write their last/second last attempt?

Making such blanket statements is extremely easy.

·

@Interstellar05 we are. there is a thread for this as well.

·

https://forumias.com/post/detail/Seeking-additional-attempt-at-UPSC-due-to-pandemic-2019-and-2020-batches-1594123083?page=7#comment_28671

·

@Dead Manbuddy many had their interviews just before the lockdown and between 20th and 30th of july. THe interview process (explaining oneself) becomes extremely difficult with masks and shields on. So it would become unfair to risk infection, travel to delhi and then not getting selected. The pandemic disrupted the normal interview process as well, rather severely

·

@sulawesichange.org wont be able to influence people unless lakhs sign. I have already written directly to PMO, Presidents secy, DoPT, UPSC, etc. I request more to email/tweet directly to authorities

·

@vikkyanthro28607zindagi ka most important interview mask pehankar kabhi diya yai? pata hai kaisa lagta hai....in teen chaarr mahino main ghar se kitne der ke liye bahar nikle ho?

in 2019 two sets of interview sessions have been created, one before lockdown and one after. and we cant equate the two circumstances by anymeans. the 2019 interview process was disrupted severely. it is to be seen how many actually cleared between 20th and 30th july.

·

@vikkyanthro28607thats the thing. Two sets of interview conditions, one before lockdown and one after. Delhi lockdown happened on 18th March I guess.

·

@sulawesiyou need to write directly to officials as well

·

@Lemilliononly when they have few lakh signatures

·

Nope. even if they conduct the exam next year, they will fill for two separate years via one exam only. there would be two lists one of 2020 and one of 2021. UPSC cadre allocation is a much more complicated process, but UPSC does that each year. This is way more simpler. One exam for simultaneously filling two batches. Let us not forget that these are unprecedented times, once in 100 years event.

·

@Katy_SinghHe is the admin of the Insights channel, most probably

·

@Phagocyte What if someone contracts the virus in the time between the two papers.

·

@God If they can conduct mass scale exams with millions of candidates all around the country, why are they limiting the number of invitees to various social gatherings like marriages, birthdays and the likes.

·

I can just imagine the scene in front of restrooms just before the pre starts. would they call mobile washrooms to ensure social distancing as well?

·

@GodYou are the omnipresent, omniscient and prescient. If you dont have answers, then nobody else has.

·

@Godthat wont happen and even they know that.

·

Sops being followed is dependent on the caliber of state machinery. UPSC cant control it directly.

·

Covid should have been used as an excuse to reform the preliminary exam (maybe one test with csat questions incorporated). I just cant imagine the exam getting a green signal with the older pattern where social distancing is just not possible.

·

@kraantikaarikranti ka samay aa gya hai. Dont just be an insider. Get information and try to lobby if possible :P

·

I am concerned with the prelims exam. When the school(s) allotted dont even allow aspirants to stay in the campus after paper 1 gets over, how would they ensure social distancing. Aspirants are herded away by the security after the completion of paper 1. Many travel long distances so they visit nearby dhabas to prepare for CSAT.

·

@Thor_vs_HulkThese are just harmless conversations. People are free to ignore it

·

@rafaelsome centers in Delhi are located in posh areas. They dont even let you enter localities after paper 1. Relieving oneself openly is an impossibility in such centers

·

HOw would they ensure do gaz ki duri when people line up to enter the school/center? Plus compulsory frisking takes place. One person frisks all.

It makes no sense at all.

·

@Tyler DurdenPLus one ink pad per classroom for biometrics.

·

@Tokyo Delhi is just one union territory. There are 28 states and 7 more union territories where the exam would take place simultaneously.

·

@TokyoInsights can only give insights and insights are just insights which means insights are not always 100 percent correct.

Well to be honest, postponement is not a solution , but conducting an all india exam amidst a ravaging pandemic is not a solution either.

·

@Tokyobhai pehele aap bolte ho ki aap admin ho, fir ab shift kar rahe ho insights and krantikari pe.

·

@catyou are the adjudicating authority. please take the correct decision when the case reaches you.

·

@curiouscse funny thing is, each and every pointer mentioned would be flouted, and they know it too!

·

@MaxBlackwhat is the correlation between liquor shops and students forced to write exams? Does he mean to say all students are bevdas?

He should be sacked from this position for just making such a ludicrous comment.

·

@TokyoHome ministry ne apne khud ke exams postpone kar diya hai. kahan se laate ho information

·

@MaxBlackprelims 2020 center?

·

@Divine Shaktidont see this news on channels such as IE or Hindu. dont know how authentic is filter caapy vis a vis a 100+ years old news publishing house

·

@GodIn the long run, all of us would be dead.

·

Can someone remind me , when do they start the monsoon session of the parliament this year?

·

@MaxBlackdirect prelims bhi vahin karwa lo. infect ho bhi gye to direct admission. and papers ke beech 2 ghante rest lene ke bhi provisions hain (before csat)

·

@Katy_Singh what about the 6 months b/w two sessions rule?

·

@Tejas14upsc is for recruitment , neet/jee is academic. there are differences

·

@Katy_Singhright.

Due to the pandemic, as they bypassed a constitutionally mandated rule, why cant they just delay the exams as well?

·

@Tejas14it doesnt work like that. Academics work in sessions. agar iss saal nahi hua toh ek saal barbaad ho sakta hai. however recruitments can be pushed to next year. they can fill batches of 2 years with one exam also. esa nahi hoga ki next year recruitment hua toh logon ka ek saal barbaad h jayega in UPSC. next year ka bhi 2020 ke vacancies fill ho sakti hai, like numerous state governments do .

·

@ShubzThere are thousands if not lakhs who want postponement as well. And no one asked for cancellation of the exam of this year. Exams cant be cancelled. I have clearly mentioned that there are ways of filling vacancies of two consecutive years with one exam only. It has happened in the past, and it will happen in the future as well.

Regarding indian economic services, there were 0 vacancies advertised in june when the notification came out. However Dept of Eco affairs requested them to come out with vacancies and so they released a new notification. UPSC has not formally conducted any exam this year so far apart from CSE interviews.

·

https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/1294177136085889026

·

@Tokyowhen did Nachiket Mor acquire an MBBS degree? or is he the new secretary/ chairman of UPSC/DoPT. His statements hold no relevance when it comes to national level exams such as the UPSC. ajeeb examples dete ho yar tum.

Courts, or temples of modern democracies themselves are skeptical about opening up. Fully functional courts are 10000 times more important that conducting exams specially in times of adversities.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-lawyers-warn-against-resuming-physical-hearing/article32364104.ece

With that said, postponement is not an answer. Let us trust the wisdom of UPSC and relevant authorities. Just to prove a point, let us not speculate and quote others out of context.

Click here to read full post

Write your comment…